Ayalew Mesfin – Hasabe - My Worries

Hasabe is a thoughtfully curated collection of Ethio-groove recordings by one of the overlooked pioneers of Addis Ababa's vibrant 1970s music scene, Ayalew Mesfin and his Black Lion Band. Reissued in collaboration with Now-Again Records, this edition is pressed on 180-gram vinyl.

For many listeners, the music created in 1970s Ethiopia will sound both familiar and unexpected. While it incorporates elements readily recognised by Western audiences—including trap drum kits, jazz-inspired horn sections and guitars played through wah-wah and fuzz pedals—the distinctive Ethiopian vocal style and modal structures create a sound unlike any other. Those already familiar with the pioneering Ethio-jazz of Mulatu Astatke will find a valuable point of reference for exploring this outstanding collection.

The music Mesfin created with the Black Lion Band ranks among the funkiest to emerge from Addis Ababa. His recording career, documented across nearly two dozen 7-inch singles and numerous reel-to-reel tapes, reflects one of the most productive decades in Ethiopia's recording industry, when both independent labels and major companies issued a steady stream of releases for the domestic market. That creative momentum came to an abrupt halt when the Derg regime seized power in 1974, forcing Mesfin underground.

Until recently, only four of Mesfin's recordings had been reissued, appearing in the acclaimed Ethiopiques series. Hasabe marked the first comprehensive collection of his work, bringing together a remarkable body of recordings from an artist whose originality and resilience helped define the Ethio-groove sound. More than four decades later, this essential compilation offers a rare opportunity to rediscover an important chapter in Ethiopian and global music history. Pressed on 180-gram vinyl, it is an outstanding addition for collectors of African music, funk, jazz and world music.